Outside Farm Boy supermarket in Whitby, ON. August 27, 2015. Courtesy: Nick Kozak/For the Toronto Star.
By: Genia Kuypers
The residents of Alderwood in South Etobicoke are finally getting a grocery store to replace the one they lost in 2015. Since the Asian grocery, Top Food, closed its doors, residents of the area have been left with limited options for their food shopping.
The Alderwood plaza, in the neighborhood south of the QEW at Highway 427, is largely empty with a Bank of Montreal, a hair salon and a shoe repair along with the Dollarama.
The Farm Boy franchise has grown since 1981 from a small food stand in Ottawa and has positioned itself as a growing contender in Ontario’s grocery store sector.
“Farm Boy will be a unique type of shopping experience, it’s going to have healthy food options, and easier access for local seniors,” said Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councilor Mark Grimes.
This fall, Farm Boy is scheduled to open a 20,000 square-foot store providing the community with basic grocery necessities, as well as an area dedicated to takeaway healthy food, local and organic options.
“They have a strong history of successful stores and loyal customers,” said Grimes.
Ontario currently has 23 Farm Boy locations and the new store is expected to create around 150 jobs for the community.
Market analyst Kevin Grier who focuses on the agriculture and food market foresees an interesting reaction from Toronto-area grocery stores.
“The Toronto market is going to be pulling its hair out at more competition,” he said.
Grier believes that giving consumers more options will ultimately provide better quality food.
“The competitors don’t need more competition, but one more to add to the mix will be good for consumers, and good for distribution.”
The project marks the first arrival of a Farm Boy outlet in Toronto.